Metropolitan centers, like Houston, Austin, and Dallas, are an exciting contrast to the West Texas cities, like Amarillo or Lubbock, but each has its character and reason for visiting. San Antonio, famous for the Alamo and the River Walk, and the nearby Hill Country, should also be on travelers' itineraries.
For nature lovers, some of the best places to visit are the parks, like Big Bend National Park, a bend in the Rio Grande in West Texas, and Padre Island National Sea Shore, along the Gulf of Mexico.
For more ideas on where to go and what to see, please have a read through our list of top tourist attractions in Texas.
1. San Antonio's River Walk
Stretching for several miles along the San Antonio River in the heart of the city, the River Walk is lined with restaurants and lovely outdoor patios, where you can sit and dine alongside the river. Built below street level, this pedestrian walkway hugs the river as it winds and weaves through the city, and is as popular among locals as tourists, day and night.
Although strolling along the river is the most popular thing to do here, another great way to enjoy the ambiance of the area is on a leisurely cruise on a riverboat. These run all the time and range from regular sightseeing trips to dinner cruises.
2. The Alamo
The Alamo is one of the most important historic sites in America. Part of a mission station established in 1718 built by Franciscans in 1744 and by 1836, had been converted into a fort. It became famous during the Texas Revolution, when a small force, including Davie Crockett and James Bowie, barricaded themselves against an overwhelmingly superior Mexican army some 3,000 strong. While the defeat saw all 187 defenders killed, the cry of "Remember the Alamo!" rallied the state to overcome the Mexicans eventually.
Today, you can visit this landmark to see its restored buildings and the cenotaph commemorating the fallen Texans. Inside is a museum with changing displays, featuring weapons and artifacts related to the events and the history of the mission.
If you have time, it's worth visiting some of the other missions in the area, all of which are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and connected by the Mission Trail.
3. Space Center Houston
Just 30 minutes' drive from the heart of Houston, Space Center Houston is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas. This is a beautiful place to learn about space exploration, upcoming missions, NASA's latest projects, and possibly even meet an astronaut. Space Center Houston is also home to Johnson Space Center and Mission Control, which can be visited on tour.
Plan to spend at least a half-day exploring the entire complex, including a space shuttle replica mounted on a shuttle carrier. Visitors can walk inside the shuttle and the carrier. You can also walk inside a replica of America's first space station, Skylab. Other highlights include seeing rockets and touching a rock from the moon and Mars.
The center provides a fascinating insight into the operations of the world's most extensive space program, countless exhibits, films, models, astronaut-related artifacts, and displays on the experiments and developments at NASA.
In the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, on a considerable bend in the Rio Grande River, lies some of the most dramatic and uniquely beautiful scenery in the state. Mountains, canyons, and the river flowing along the border separating the United States from Mexico offer a diverse range of recreational and sightseeing opportunities for Big Bend National Park.
While most people enjoy touring along the roads, the park offers a full range of things. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the extensive network of hiking trails and the beautiful campgrounds. Paddling along the Rio Grande or enjoying a picnic and wading into the water are other popular activities on warm days.
With more than 400 species of birds, birdwatching is another prominent pastime in the park, but even if you are not looking for them, you are likely to see roadrunners darting across the roads or trails.
5. Padre Island SeaShore
The world's most extended undeveloped barrier island, Padre Island is just a short drive south of Corpus Christi and stretches 70 miles from end-to-end. One of the most important conservation areas in Texas, Padre Island consists of more than 130,000 acres of beach, dunes, and grassland habitats and is home to rare sea turtles and countless migratory birds, making it a birder's paradise (350 different species visit this stopover on the Central Flyway migratory route).
The Malaquite Visitor Center is the best place to begin visiting this beautiful coastal region of the Gulf of Mexico. It provides plenty of information and assistance for those with mobility issues, including specially adapted beach wheelchairs.
6. The Texas State Capitol in Austin
The Texas State Capitol, built-in 1888, is considered one of the most beautiful state legislatures in the US. In Austin's downtown core and now a National Historic Landmark, it certainly impresses its dimensions, standing 308 feet tall.
Highlights of its 22-acre park include monuments to the defenders of the Alamo and veterans of the Vietnam War. Guided tours of the building's interior are available and start from the visitor center with its many displays. At dusk, head across to the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge to witness the spectacle of a million or so Mexican free-tailed bats coming and going from their perches under the bridge.
7.The Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas
It was from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas that the fatal shot that took President John F. Kennedy's life was fired. Now home to The Sixth Floor Museum, this tall red-brick building offers a detailed account of the assassination, as well as Kennedy's legacy. Highlights include accounts of his presidential campaign and term as president, all supported by historical footage, photos, and artifacts.
Also worth a visit while exploring downtown Dallas is the nearby John F. Kennedy Memorial, a massive monument dedicated to President Kennedy unveiled in 1970.
8. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
In the northwestern corner of the state, approximately 100 miles east of El Paso, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to Texas's four highest peaks. It's also known for an abundance of wildlife, including golden eagles.
The landscape itself is stunning, especially around the towering El Capitan, as well as the Guadalupe Peak, the highest elevation in Texas. It's also tremendously popular with hikers thanks to its more than 80 miles of trails through spectacular woodland canyons and lush springs. Be sure to stop in at the visitor center in Pine Springs for information on the park, including details of hiking and biking trails.
9. The Fort Worth Stockyards
The Stockyards National Historic District remains Fort Worth's biggest draw. Founded in 1866, the area took its name from the cattle industry, as it was here that millions of cattle were rested, sorted, or shipped out to other points across the state.
The last surviving facility of its kind in the US, these historic stockyards have been transformed into a splendid attraction consisting of all sorts of fun things to see, including rodeos, concerts, theatrical performances, and western-themed shopping. Highlights include cattle driving demonstrations and a chance to saddle up for some trail riding.
Be sure to check out the Stockyards Visitor Center and the Stockyards Museum, both of which provide information regarding current events and the history of this fun area of Fort Worth.
10. Galveston's Beaches & Strand Historic District
Like numerous spots along the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is home to beautiful beaches for miles. The shallow and often calm water makes this a popular area for families and beachgoers. In summer, set up your beach umbrella along the Seawall or enjoy some fun and games at the Pleasure Pier.
But this is more than just a beach town, with plenty to do here all year long. Explore the Strand Historic District downtown, a National Historic Landmark District, and wander past the ornate Victorian-style mansions that line the quiet streets. If you are traveling with kids, be sure to stop by Moody Gardens and Aquarium. With its landmark glass pyramids, this vast complex is home to an aquarium, a rainforest, and an amusement park.
Galveston is less than an hour's drive from Houston and only about 45 minutes from Space Center Houston.
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